We are business sale experts
Business Sale
Our team is dedicated to understanding your business and providing a personal service. We focus on presenting your company in the best way to attract the right buyers and investors. Our tailored approach has helped many business owners get the best value for their companies.
We use a unique sale preparation strategy with a secure data room to make the process smoother. With thorough research, discreet marketing, and global connections, we find the most suitable buyers.
At Barnsgate Solutions, we're experts in business sales, committed to getting you the best deal and ensuring your business has a bright future.
Selling a business is a structured process that typically includes preparation, valuation, positioning, buyer engagement, due diligence, and negotiation through to completion. Each stage has a direct impact on value and deal certainty. Our Knowledge Hub explores these stages in more detail to help owners understand what to expect and how to prepare.
Owners remain closely involved at key stages, particularly early on and during negotiations, but a well-run process is designed to minimise distraction from running the business day to day.
A properly managed sale is confidential. Buyers are carefully selected, NDAs are used throughout, and information is controlled to avoid disruption or uncertainty.
Payment structures vary. We work with you to secure the best possible terms, whether that’s fully in cash or an element of deferred consideration.
Employee Ownership Trust (EOT)
Setting up an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) is a big decision that needs careful planning. At Barnsgate Solutions, we guide you through the whole process, from getting HMRC approval to helping with funding and leadership succession.
We focus on making the transition smooth and simple, with a personal touch that maximises value and reduces hassle. Our goal is to make the EOT process easy and successful, preparing your business for the future.
An EOT allows owners to sell a controlling stake to a trust for the benefit of employees, rather than to a trade buyer or private equity.
EOTs can offer capital gains tax advantages, preserve company culture, and provide long-term independence.
Usually not in full. Owners are typically paid over time from future company profits.
No. EOTs suit profitable, cash-generative businesses with strong management teams and a desire for legacy over maximum upfront value.
Management Buyout
At Barnsgate Solutions, we stand apart as the only advisors fully equipped to guide you through every stage of your management buyout. From structuring and negotiation to valuations, finance, legal, and transition support, we manage the entire process, ensuring a seamless and successful outcome. Whether it’s debt or equity, we source the right corporate finance tailored to your needs. With access to a wide range of proven off-market finance options and alternative lenders, we expertly navigate the choices to find the best fit for your business.
Our discreet, end-to-end service is best in class, a key reason why we consistently achieve the highest completion rates in the sector. Our personal and ambitious lead advisory team excels at securing shareholder and management alignment, ensuring your business is positioned for continued growth and success post-buyout. At Barnsgate Solutions, we’re not just advisors; we’re your partners in achieving the best possible outcome for your management buyout.
An MBO is where the existing management team acquires the business, often using a mix of debt and equity funding.
Funding may come from banks, private equity, vendor loan notes, or a combination of these.
MBOs can be attractive but often involve more structured or deferred consideration compared to a competitive external sale.
Typically 3–6 months, depending on funding, diligence, and deal structure.
Acquisitions
Growth through acquisition is an exciting and challenging journey. We know that the best acquisitions lead to growth through economies of scale, synergies, and increased shareholder value. But achieving this requires more than just the right deal, it needs a solid strategy, careful target selection, and smooth integration.
We provide both practical support and innovative ideas to strengthen your acquisition strategy. At Barnsgate Solutions, we’re not just helping with acquisitions, we work with you to create a plan that drives real growth and long-term success.
Buyers look for businesses that offer scale, new capabilities, market access, or recurring revenue.
Targets are sourced through strategic analysis, proprietary outreach, and market knowledge — not just advertised opportunities.
Most acquisitions complete within 4–8 months, depending on complexity and funding.
Through careful due diligence, deal structuring, warranties, and post-completion planning.
Consultancy
We know that traditional consultancy often means formal suits, high fees, and lengthy reports. But we’re different. We’re professional, friendly, and straightforward, bringing fresh ideas, practical tools and real results to help you reach your business goals.
Our services cover a lot, but we focus on strategic business reviews and planning to close the gap between where you are and where you want to be. We also offer growth support, investment advice, and objective guidance to help you scale. Plus, we assist in building long-term value for your ventures. We like to think we're more than consultants — we’re your partners in growth and value creation, helping you move forward with confidence.
It focuses on pre-transaction preparation, including valuation advice, exit planning, and deal readiness.
Ideally 12–24 months before a transaction, when changes can still materially improve outcomes.
No. Buyers also use consultancy to shape acquisition strategy and assess targets.
It reduces risk, improves decision-making, and often increases value — even if a transaction doesn’t proceed immediately.